‘Tis the season for silver linings. First here and now right here.

Last week saw a rather grumpy Zeeshan resisting every kind word or gesture from Romaisa but this week given his family’s apathy to his condition and little more than a formal hazzri he realizes his position in their hierarchy of work, shaadis and other assorted amusements of the rich and farig.

So after months of being ignored he seems to notice the one person who geniunely cares  and waits on him hand and foot (no pun intended) as well as a little heart melter. After all, who can resist that cute little pudding face? This drama wins the eye candy of the year award for the most good looking folks on screen in the span of 40 or so odd minutes

Zeeshan is melting his hardened demeanor and is it lovely to see him falling in love with Maham and her childlike innocent ways. This feels more real and believable than rising humdardi track that dramas are prone to exploring. The breakfast scene where Maham eyes his toast and juice, ends up grabbing his finger and when she falls asleep with him are fairly natural and as his falling in love with her has been gradual. So kudos for nicely written and executed scenes.

Zeeshan stands up (pun intended) to his family for both Maham and Romaisa which is nice to see. Now if only Romaisa could learn to stand up for herself without always needing a man to do it for her, how much more would we like her?

Zeeshan also realizes the unfair treatment meted out to Romaisa by his family and begins to set things right. A firm talking to his brother, the reinstatement of the fish tank, and his realization that all of Romaisa’s and by extension Maham’s life is confined to their room, and this house and their happiness remains locked up in her box of memories.

It was a quiet episode, with slow and gradual dawning of the realization of their positions and changing dynamics of their relationships. While Maham, as children usually do, is able to call him Papa and recognize his place, Romaisa perplexed by this change in Zeeshan dares not to even dream of the possibility of another man, another life. And if Zeeshan’s family has their way, she might be right.

The acting today – both by Sanam Jung and Adeel Husain was very good – muted, internal and quiet with moments of solitude that reflect their angst and transformation.

Now if only they reduced the screen time for the fishes, and had got to this point sooner, there would have been more of us swimming along.

MM (aka A musing Muslim)